Rinascente – if you’re familiar with Italy and you love shopping, then you’ve likely heard of it. This Italian shopping center is more than a mall; it’s more like a luxury New York Macy’s dedicated to the finest in men’s and women’s fashion, household items, wellness products, and more. Just last year, Roman residents flooded the doors of the newly opened Rinascente in Rome after waiting a long eleven years for it to be completed, and inaugurated 100 years after the opening of the first flagship store in Milan. But hey – Rome wasn’t built in a day.

 

What makes this shopping complex stand apart from others? Located in the heart of Rome just minutes away from the iconic Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, the best in design, travel, and even the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct – yes, an ancient aqueduct – are dispersed among eight floors of the newly and elegantly restored historic palazzo in classic Roman style, bringing to life the historical and cultural richness of the territory. Shopping at the Nuovo Rinascente is a true experience, where you’ll feel like you travel in time through the most elegant department stores in Italy.

This unique shopping complex offers shoppers an unforgettable experience in the department store scene. First is the archaeological site with the remains of the so-called Virgin Aqueduct. Inaugurated by Augustus in 19 BC, the aqueduct once provided water to all the most imposing and grandiose fountains in the center of Rome, including the Trevi Fountain. Next, the architects responsible for renovating the building respectfully incorporated a small building of the early 1900s called the Palazzetto; literally building the rest of the structure around it to exhibit a true palace within its walls. This is an integral and evocative part of the architecture of Rinascente, while still adding modern touches to tastefully unite the old with the new. It is, therefore, a department store sui generis, organized on eight floors arranged around a central cavity, where light touches every angle, and where you can find the best of fashion, beauty, design and gourmet food options.

In fact, once you’re ready to reintegrate after a day of shopping throughout Rinascente’s eight floors, you’ll be delighted to find on the last one: a unique 360 degree view of the characteristic roofs of the capital. Here you can relax at the gourmet food hall with its panoramic terraces. You can admire the wonders of the city, including St. Peter’s dome, Villa Borghese, and the rest of Rome’s spectacular skyline, all while sipping the best of Italian wine; the perfect way to end your journey in time at the Nuovo Rinascente.

 

The Nuovo Rinascente

About Charis McCullough

Charis decided to move to Italy six years ago after an incredible three month visit to the beautiful and untouched region of Abruzzo changed her vision of the world. She fell in love with the Italian culture, the language, history, art, and especially the food, wine, and coffee, and after getting a fine arts degree from Rome's Accademia di Belle Arti, she never looked back. She now works as a translator and social media manager for a wedding planner as well as a freelance painter, writer, and guide, introducing visitors to the authentic side of this beautiful country that she so loves, a side that makes them too want to move here to live la bella vita and never go back.